Matthew 5:7; Luke 6:35-38

There is a “law” in the Scriptures that says, You reap what you sow.  It has been evident in these beatitudes.  The poor in spirit get the kingdom of heaven.  The grieving will be comforted.  Those who yield their rights inherit the earth.  It is very evident here: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Mercy is another one of those qualities not often sought by people today.  We tend to think ”Blessed are the thick skinned for nothing will bother them.”  But as usual Jesus confronts this with one of those intuitive contradictions.  He tells us the truly happy are those who take on the hurts of others.

Some consider mercy to be a mere sentimentality.  Not so says Robert Mounce who calls it intentional kindness. France says it is not an emotion but a practical response to need. Mercy is …

a gracious disposition toward our fellow creatures and fellow Christians.  It is a spirit of kindness and benevolence which sympathizes with the sufferings of the afflicted, so that we weep with those that weep. ... It is a holy disposition in contrast with that foolish sentimentality which flouts the requirements of justice, and which inclines many to sympathize with those in deserved misery. (A. W. Pink)

To be merciful is, in fact, to take on ourselves a responsibility in helping those who are hurting.  It is the great King David taking care of the crippled Mephibosheth, the relative of King Saul.  It is the Samaritan caring for the beaten and bloodied Jew, the one who had been ignored by the Priest and Levite.  It is Jesus Christ, seeing our pitiable situation, and bearing our sins on the cross.  In each situation the one who shows mercy bears the cost to help the one in misery.  

Our best logic says we should stay away from those who hurt; it will only complicate our own lives and take effort away from the pursuit of happiness.  Jesus makes it clear: we will all hurt.  We will all be in need of mercy.  Happy are the merciful for, in their time of need, they will know mercy. It will be dealt to them as they have dealt (Luke 6:35-38).

Mercy does not come natural to people born in the selfishness of sin.  But it comes more easily for those who know their own spiritual poverty and that they are only blessed because of the mercy of God.

The merciful are those who are conscious that they are themselves the unworthy recipients of God's mercy, and that but for the grace of God they would be not only sinners but condemned sinners. (R. V. G. Tasker)

Does your pursuit of happiness involve avoidance of those with difficult situations?  Are you reluctant to ask some folks how they are doing knowing you will likely get more answer than you want?  In saying these things Jesus points out our sin but He also calls us to trust Him and to live in such a way that we are truly happy.

Blessed are the merciful!